Chester Deaths from Local Newspapers

6 Jan 1875

Obituary – Mrs. Nancy C. Malone Died, on Monday, December 28, 1874, at Percy, of typhoid fever, Mrs. Nancy C. Malone, in the 38th year of her age. Mrs. Malone was the daughter of the late Judge Campbell, was greatly beloved by a large circle of friends and relatives… (lauditory comments follow, not copied)

17 Feb 1875

DIED – On Monday, February 15th, 1875, near this city, Mrs. Sarah A. Nixon, wife of Joseph R. Nixon, aged about 60 years.

10 Mar 1875

DIED: On Thursday morning, March 4, 1875, at the family residence near Ellis Grove, Louise, wife of Henry K. Seymour, aged 36 years, 2 months and 25 days.

On Saturday, March 6, 1875, at the residence of Mrs. Campbell, in this city, Mrs. E. A. Belsha, in the 48th year of her age.

17 Mar 1875

DIED: On Tuesday morning, March 16, 1875, at the residence of his father, in this city, Louis Z. St. Vrain, in the 19th year of his age. The funeral will take place this morning at 9 o’clock, from the Catholic Church. Interment at Kaskaskia Cemetery.

31 Mar, 1875

DIED: On Friday, March 26th, at his residence in Carondelet Mo. Roger Gausmann, in the 80th year of his age.

7 Apr 1875

DIED – On Friday April 2nd, in this city, of pneumonia, David Styles, aged 51 years.

– On Sunday, April 4th, in this city, of pneumonia, James H. Moore, aged 40 years.

– On Monday, April 5th, in this city, of consumption, Martin Smith, aged 30 years, 7 months and 13 days. Funeral this morning at 8:30 o’clock.

– On Monday, April 5th, in this city, of pneumonia, Adolph Lucien Block, in the 22nd year of his age. Funeral this day at 1 o’clock p.m.

14 April 1875

– A miner named James Flynn was run over and killed by a train at Du Quoin on Saturday night 3rd inst. while on his way home.

– Mrs Sarah Brown, residing five miles this side of Perryville, met with a fatal accident on Sunday afternoon of last week. She was returning home from Ste. Mary’s in a carriage, accompanied by a little boy, when the horse became frightened and ran away throwing the old lady from the vehicle against a tree, injuring her so badly that she died the next morning. The little boy escaped unhurt.

12 May 1875

Died: – On Monday, April 3, 1875, at her residence near this city, Mrs. Christina Taggart, widow of the late Amos Taggart, in the 57th year of her age. (Poem followed, which was not copied)

– On Sunday, May 9, 1875, in this city, Albert August, son of Ernst H. and Marie L. Schemmer, aged 4 years, 7 months and 29 days.

– Died, on Monday, April 3d., at his residence in this town, Maximillan Wittenbrink, in the 59th year of his age. The deceased was an old citizen of this place, of irreproachable character, and highly esteemed by young and old of this community. He leaves a wife and several children to mourn the loss of a loving husband and kind father, who have the heartfelt condolences of many sympathizing friends.

Died: Cox– On Sunday, April 9th, 1876, at his residence in this city, A. Marion Cox, aged about 35 years.

Died: Cole: On Sunday, April 23, 1876, at the residence of her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Ellen Cole, in the city, Mrs. Sarah Cole, nee Scott, widow of the late Nathan Cole, in the 86th year of her age. The deceased was born in Ridgefield Connecticut in the year 1790, form which place her parents shortly afterward removed to Orange county and then to Seneca county New York where she was married to Nathan Cole, in the year 1807. Nathan Cole and family came to St. Louis in 1821, where he engaged in business, and was the first regular pork-packer in the Mississippi valley. In 1837 he removed to this city, and erected a flouring mill, the first ever established in Chester. He died here in 1840. Mrs. Cole was the mother of seven sons – Abner B, Burt S, Herman C, Oliver, James Monroe, James Madison and Nathan. Only two of the survive – Abner B. Cole now a resident of Oregon and Nathan Cole, a prominent merchant of St. Louis and formerly Mayor of that city. Her death was very sudden, without a moment’s warning, brought on by old age and general debility….her remains deposited by the side of her husband, in the old family cemetery.

Died: Block: On Sunday night, June 4, 1876, at the residence of Mr. G. S. Jones, in this city, Mrs. Mary A. Block, wife of Mr. David Block, of St. Louis, aged 42 years.

27 Sep 1876

Around and About

– Alex Frazier, residing at Carbondale, returned home from Murphysboro last Thursday evening in an intoxicated condition and commenced abusing his wife and children, which attracted the attention of his neighbor, D. A. S. Gent, who came to their residence and attempted to pacify him. Instead, Frazier knocked Gent down, when the latter drew his revolver and fired, killing Frazier instantly. He was held for trial.

– Mrs. Katharine Blitz, nee Brann, of Georgetown, St. Clair county, died a few days ago, aged 100 years.

– Robert Ulrich, a farmer residing near New Athens, was drowned on Tuesday of last week while trying to ford Lively Creek. The accident was caused by heavy rains having washed out the ford to an unusual depth, of which fact the deceased was unaware.

– A difficulty occurred last Friday evening: six miles south of Perryville, between William T. and Lewis Jones on one side and Henry White and a young man named Krimminger on the other, during which William T. Jones was killed by White. Several shots were fired by both parties. White succeeded in making his escape.

Deplorable Accident – A terrible accident, by which Miss Dora Schrader, eldest daughter of Mr. Ernst Schrader, of this city, was shockingly and fatally injured, occurred last Thursday evening at 2214 S. Spring St, St. Louis, the residence of Frank R. Dalbee, where she was employed as a servant girl. (follows an account of the accident, in which the girl used alcohol instead of coal oil to start up the kitchen fire)… She was aged 18 years ( – ) months and 20 days.

– Died: Joseph Foster, at his residence, last Friday, and was buried yesterday. He leaves a wife and one child, in tolerable good circumstances.

18 Oct 1876 (fragment)

– A young man named Marion Brown, residing in Pinckneyville, while on his way to attend a social party last Thursday evening, was thrown from his horse, alighting on his head and receiving internal injuries causing his death.

– Uriah Barwell, proprietor of the coal shaft at Galum, on the I.M.C. and E.R.R., while engaged in emptying boxes of coal into cars, on the 7th inst, was precipitated down the shaft a distance of 80 feet, killing him almost instantly.

Oct 30, 1878 (fragment)

– Mrs. Burbach, an old lady 82 years of age, met with an accident Thursday morning, which resulted in instant death. She was a cripple and walked on crutches, and started to go out at the back door, when she slipped and fell striking her head against some hard object, causing a fracture of the skull. (Red Bud Courier)

– It will be remembered that a gentleman named William Rawleigh, a resident of Chester, mysteriously disappeared from his home some three weeks since, and it was not known what had befell him. One day last week the body of a drowned man was taken out of the river…and was discovered to be that of the above gentleman….a jury returned a verdict…he had been foully dealt with by some unknown person. (Perryville Union)

6 Nov 1878 (fragment)

– Frank Goehrs, a young man well-known in this city and vicinity, died at his residence near Randolph, on Tuesday evening last, in the 32nd year of his age.

Chester Clarion, Wed. April 13, 1887

County Correspondence:

– DIED: Wednesday evening, April 6th, Lizzie Kiespert, aged 3 years and 7 months. She was interred in the Ellis Grove cemetery on Thursday evening.

From Red Bud

– Our citizens were shocked Thursday morning by the sudden death of Mr. Henry Ruehmkort, Sr. (sic) He died of asthma, aged 66 years 11 months and 7 days. He had been in poor health for several months and was confined to the house since Saturday last; but no immediate danger was expected by the family or physician. Mr. Ruemkort (sic) had been a resident of this place for 36 years, and was highly esteemed by all as an honest and friendly neighbor, a kind and loving father. He was a devout member of the M.E. church, the burial services being conducted by Rev. Schultz at 2 o’clock Friday last, and was buried in the city cemetery, attended by a very large crowd of friends.

(Social News)

– Miss Bernese Montroy, who had been living at St. Louis for some time past, was taken very ill several days ago. Her father, Mr. Joseph Montroy, being notified of his daughter’s condition, went at once to St. Louis and brought her home to this city. The best of medical aid was procured, but remedies availed nothing. Miss Bernese breathed her last on Sunday, at 11 o’clock p.m., aged 23 years, 5 months and 22 days. The funeral took place from the family residence on Tuesday, April 12th.

– Obituary: Died at his home, April 9th, John W, son of Mr. and Mrs. David C. Carruthers. It is not often we are called upon to record an event which arouses our sympathies more than the death of this young man. At the age of 17 years, just in the flush of manhood’s morning, with high hopes and all the bright prospects of youth, he has been suddenly called from this life. During his illness he evinced great patience, and his constant care see to be that he might not cause trouble to the anxious friends about him….He was an affectionate son and brother, a pleasant willing and earnest student in the High School, and we all find that we sadly miss his cheerful smile and pleasant face….(sections omitted were regarding his Christian commitment, there was no biographical information)

Chester Clarion, Wednesday, April 18, 1888

– Again it becomes our painful duty to chronicle the death of another old citizen of this vicinity. Mr. Charles Brown died of pneumonia, at his home near Diamond Cross, on Wednesday, April 11th. He was aged 61 years 9 months and 26 days. He was born in Franklin county, IL June 25th, 1826 and at the age of 8 years came to Randolph county, where he has resided since that time. Mr. Brown began life as a poor boy, but by patience, industry and a wise economy he built himself up and accumulated a competence for himself and family. Mr. Brown was a Democrat and was deeply devoted to the principle of his party, and his death will be a loss felt by the party in this section. He was a just and upright man, and his sons who have now grown to manhood are honorable and worthy men. Mr. Brown was buried on Friday last, and his remains were followed to the grave by a very large number of sorrow-stricken relatives and friends. The funeral was under the auspices of the Masonic fraternity, and a brief sermon was preached by Rev. Froschele, of this city. The remains were buried in the Palestine Cemetery. Mr. Brown was married on February 13, 1851 to Sarah Harmon. He leaves 13 children, 8 of whom are sons and 5 daughters. He also leaves 14 grandchildren living. There is 1 grandchild dead.

Chester Clarion, Wednesday, April 9, 1890

– Mrs. Antonette Thompson, wife of Samuel R. Thompson died at their home in this city on Tuesday afternoon of last week. She was aged about 36 years. Her funeral took place at 2 o’clock Friday afternoon from the Catholic church. She was buried in St. Mary’s cemetery. Her husband, four small children and numerous friends mourn her death.

– Mrs. Mary A. Warren, wife of Andrew B. Warren, and a sister to Mrs. Arthur E. Crisler, of this city, was a passenger on the Crystal City, from St. Louis, last Thursday evening. She had a 6-year-old daughter with her, and before retiring for the night, Mrs. Warren requested the clerk to call her in time to get off at Chester. When the clerk went to call the lady, the door of her stateroom was found fastened and as she did not respond to the calls the clerk looked over the transom and saw the lady lying upon the floor. The door was forced open and a hasty examination was made which convinced those present that Mrs. Warren was dead. When the boat stopped here the deputy coroner and a jury were hastily summoned and an inquest held. The body was then conveyed to the residence of A. E. Crisler’s. The funeral took place on Tuesday, and the remains conveyed to Palestine Cemetery for burial.

– Little Jesse McComb, a colored boy, aged about 6 years, died in the Kelly neighborhood, Monday, of consumption. The funeral took place on Tuesday.

Chester Clarion, Wednesday, 14 April 1893

– James B. Borders, a son of the late James J. Borders, died in his home in Nashville, Illinois, on Tuesday, April 11th. He was aged 36 years 4 months and 6 days. His funeral took place on Wednesday, April 12th. He was buried in the Masonic cemetery at Nashville. Mr. Borders married Miss Ada McCormack, formerly of Chester, and her friends here extend their sincere sympathy.

– David Grogg died at his home in Kaskaskia bottoms last Thursday. He was buried in Ellis Grove cemetery. He died of pneumonia after a brief illness.

– Robbie Babcock, son of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Babcock, formerly of Chester, died of pneumonia at the Leland Hotel, in Chicago, on Saturday, April 1, 1893. He was their only child and was about 18 years old. Their friends in Chester regret their bereavement very much.

Chester Herald, Saturday, July 29, 1854

Special Notice Communicated:

Departed this life, July 17th, Mrs. Ruthe E. Parker, aged 37 years. The deceased was taken with flux, July 7th and died July 17, 1854. The disease was resistant….(follows tribute to her Christian courage and spirit, no biographical information).

Chester Herald Friday March 31, 1916

Frank R. McAtee Dead

We know that to many thousands of people the above heading will be a startling phrase. The Editor of the Herald-Clarion, for nearly forty years a faithful reflection of the social and political life of Chester, is no more. Frank R. McAtee, aged 57 years, died last Friday morning, March 24. 1916. The funeral took place last Monday afternoon at Evergreen cemetery, in the presence of a throng of people who had known and loved him for his many virtues. For a man who was by nature, habit and occupation, quiet, industrious and studious, no man in Chester had more sincere admirers, or, in trouble, a greater number of sincere sympathizers; and this clientele of adherents ranged all over the United States, wherever the Herald followed Chester people who wandered from their own home town. Frank McAtee became an apprentice in the old Valley Clarion office in 1872, under the instruction of Charles L. Spencer, a man of strong Democratic principles, and it was from him young McAtee imbibed those opinions that became the basis of his career as the editor of a Democratic newspaper. Later on when Spencer sold the Clarion and went his way Mr. McAtee became a typesetter in the office of the newly established Chester Tribune, under the late William Knapp, who, recognizing the budding talents of his workman, gladly used his local writings in the paper, thus developing and preparing his mind for the long grind ahead of him. In 1878 Mr. McAtee purchased the Clarion and conducted its affairs successfully until 1896, when owing to a nervous break-down he disposed of the paper to others. But it was hard to break the habits of 18 years; he could not get away from the printing craft and within a few weeks he purchased from William Hempler an Independent newspaper, the Herald, and began again the treadmill task of getting our a creditable newspaper almost without other help. In a few months the Clarion was absorbed by the Herald and Editor McAtee found himself back in the building he had erected in 1887 to house the Clarion. As an editor Mr. McAtee stood high in the coterie of Southern Illinois Democratic writers and attained considerable prominence by virtue of his clear insight into the trend of political events and his intimate acquaintance with the opinions and actions of all the great men of the day. His advice on local and county political matters was eagerly sought and frequently proved of great value. Among the people of Randolph county there are hundreds of substantial citizens, patrons of the Herald, who were warm personal friends of the editor and who felt hay could not come to Chester without calling at the Herald office to exchange greetings with its presiding genius. “Frank R. McAtee, than whom I have never known a more upright and civil gentleman” is a quotation from a letter recently written by one of Chester’s most prominent citizens, and if submitted to a vote of the entire city assembled would carry without a dissenting voice. The Herald man was a self-taught craftsman, whose ideas in regard to the handling of a newspaper and printing plant were original and exacting. It was impossible, he said, to allegate to others what he could do so well himself. The gentleness of his nature was such that he shrank from clashing with his hired help – rather would he attempt to do just a little more himself. Thus he gradually gathered a constantly increasing burden of labor and responsibility and to meet the demand he felt compelled to add hours to the length of his working day until 16 or 18 hours per day and seven days per week were required for the performance of what he deemed to be his duty to his large list of readers. The hour of two o’clock in the morning often found him still at his desk at home, cutting from his exchanges items of interest for his paper. Often have intimate friends remonstrated with the Editor and warned him of the danger, but he only laughed and replied in his pleasant, friendly way that he was fully aware of the consequences, but that he would “sit in” the game until he played his hand out. At length this long dreaded day arrived, he was compelled to go to his sister, in East St. Louis for a two weeks’ rest, which he richly enjoyed and began at once to recuperate. No sooner did he feel the vigor of manhood returning than he went home, but at the sight of the old treadmill, the printship where he had worn his soul threadbare, he collapsed. “I can go no father! I am worn out! It is done!” he said. Yet please do not make the mistake of saying that he was a weak man. Ask yourself how much of this grind you could stand! Can you not agree with me that he was a giant for endurance and a hero in achievement! Mr. McAtee leaves his wife, two daughters, Clara and Ada, and Will, the only son, and one sister, Mrs. Ed. Matlack of East St. Louis, to mourn the loss of a loving husband and a fond, indulgent father and an affectionate brother. “After life’s fitful fever he sleeps well.”

E. G. Matlack

Good Citizen Dead

Died, at his home 3 miles north of Percy, about 11:30 o’clock Tuesday night, March 21, 1916, Archibald Elvis Steele, aged 54 years, 9 months and 20 days, after an illness of the past two years from a complication of diseases, which hastened his death. During this time he bore his affliction patiently. On May 11, 1914, he was married to Mrs. Emma D. Steele and lived a short but very happy married life on the farm home where he was born and raised. All human help available she did but death was the victor. Mr. Steele was a farmer, well respected by all who knew him and shall be greatly missed by his many friends and neighbors. While he belonged to no church, his life as a moral man will speak itself aloud. He leaves a loving wife and four step-children, Edgar, Clyde, Nora and Ernst Steele; one brother D. M. Steele; one aunt, Mrs. Jane Exum; one uncle, Archie Robinson, of Murphysboro, and numerous other relatives besides a host of friends to mourn his loss….

Mother of Fuhrhops Dies

Mrs. Catherine Fuhrhop, wife of the late William Fuhrhop, and mother of D. H. Fuhrhop, Mrs. L. F. Bierman and Mrs. Herman Lindenberg of Steeleville, died at her home near Campbell Hill last Thursday. the funeral took place on Sunday, interment being made in the cemetery at Wine Hill after services by Rev. Nickel. Mrs Fuhrhop was buried on her 76th birthday anniversary. She came with her husband to this county from Germany in 1868, and for nearly half a century has been a resident of this portion of the county. Mr. Fuhrhop died on march 25th last year, almost a year to a day preceding his wife. Mrs. Fuhrhop leaves to mourn her death four sons and four daughters as follows: Henry Fuhrhop of Welge, D. H. Fuhrhop of Steeleville, George Fuhrhop who resided on the old homestead near Campbell Hill, and Fritz; Mrs. Chris Brueggeman, Mrs. Herman Lindenberg, Mrs. Emil Luehr and Mrs. L. F. Bierman. As the result of an injury to one of her eyes which she sustained 18 years ago, she became totally blind, and the later part of her life was spent in darkness….

Weekly Randolph County Democrat, Saturday, April 20, 1861

Died: At the residence of her husband, on Thursday, 4th inst., Mrs. Elizabeth J, wife of Samuel B. Leslie, aged 28 years and 23 days.

The deceased was a daughter of Mr. Andrew M. Allen, of Sparta, a native of this county, and leaves a family of four children, with an affectionate husband and many friends to mourn her untimely departure, and keenly feel the loss of a sympathizing mother, a dutiful and loving wife, and a true and unwavering friend and associate.

Weekly Randolph County Democrat, Saturday April 27, 1861

From Short’s Prairie:

– William Harmon lost his only child, a little girl of some six summers, a few days hence.

Weekly Randolph County Democrat, Saturday May 11, 1861

From Short’s Prairie:

– There was two deaths in Georgetown last week of scarlet fever. One the child of Dr. J. S. Morgan, and the other that of James Morris.

Weekly Randolph County Democrat, Saturday Dec 14, 1861

DIED: – Of typhoid fever, October 30th ult., at her residence one mile west of Blair Post Office, Randolph County Ill., Christinna, wife of Daniel Wolford, formerly of Sciota County, Ohio. Aged 67 years 7 months and 3 days.

– At his residence in this county, of a wound received at the battle of Belmont, Mo., on Friday evening 13th inst., Felix Harmon, aged 27 years.

– Near Chester, of Diptheria, on the 13th inst., James Ferrell, aged about 16; on the 15th, Naomi Jane, aged about 9; and on the 16th Martha Ann, aged about 15 years, being the whole of the then surviving children of Isaac and Jane Nicols.

Weekly Randolph County Democrat, Saturday April 30, 1864

OBITUARY: – Died, in Opossum Den (?) Prairie, on Tuesday October 25th, 1864, William Edwin, son of James and Sarah Morrow, aged 3 years and 2 months.

First went little Neallie With fair, soft, curling hair Next our lively Ende (?) Her pale, white brow so fair And last poor little Eddie Our dearest, only boy And now we’re left so lonely Deprived of all our joy….

Died – on the 4th day of September 1864, at the residence of their parents in Short Prairie, George Edward, aged 3 years and 7 months. Also, Edmond, aged 1 year and 10 months – both sons of David and Elizabeth Brown.

Randolph County Record, Wednesday, August 12, 1846

– Departed this life, in this place, on Monday evening the 10th inst., after a lingering and painful illness of many months, which she bore with truly christian patience, Mrs. Phebe Fulton, a colored woman, consort of Mr. Henry Fulton, in the 51st year of her life.

The many virtues of the deceased will be held in grateful rememberence by many families in this place, and Kaskaskia, and some now residing in Springfield.

"Let the record be made of the men and things of to-day, lest they pass out of memory to-morrow and are lost. Then perpetuate them not upon wood or stone that crumble to dust, but upon paper, chronicled in picture and in words that endure forever." --Kirkland

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